Overview On January 6, 2026 , Minister in-charge of Mysuru district, H.C. Mahadevappa , inaugurated the district-level Pratibha Karanji at the high school section of Maharaja College . The Minister stressed the importance of cultivating interests in art, literature, and cultural activities alongside academic pursuits. He also advised teachers to instill scientific temper and rational thinking among students. Key Points from the Inauguration Minister's Address H.C. Mahadevappa highlighted Mysuru district as the cradle of art, literature, archaeology, and music. He emphasized the contributions of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar , who gave great importance to literature and education during his reign. Historical Context Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar laid the foundation for a progressive public life even before Independence. He initiated reforms in: Education Reservation Women Empowerment Health Agriculture Horticulture Electricity Railways He also established institutions such as the Mysore Paper Mills and the Kannada Sahitya Parishat . The Minister urged students to learn more about his contributions. Call to Action Dr. Mahadevappa called for Mysuru district to strive for the top position in education. He emphasized the need for teachers to nurture scientific temper in children and promote constitutional values such as liberty, equality, and fraternity. He also stressed the importance of making students aware of the freedom of expression and the Preamble of the Constitution so that they emerge as responsible citizens. Other Dignitaries K. Harish Gowda , Chamaraja MLA, stated that Pratibha Karanji provides an excellent platform for students to showcase their talents. He encouraged students to focus on showcasing their abilities rather than worrying about winning or losing. K.B. Some Gowda , president of the Mysuru District Primary School Teachers’ Association, noted that students participating in Pratibha Karanji had emerged victorious at the school, taluk, and cluster levels, highlighting their hard work. UPSC Relevance GS Paper 1: Culture and History The emphasis on Mysuru's rich cultural heritage and the contributions of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar are relevant to the study of Indian culture and modern history. GS Paper 2: Education and Polity The discussion on education reforms, constitutional values, and the importance of scientific temper aligns with topics related to education and polity. GS Paper 4: Ethics and Human Interface The focus on instilling scientific temper and promoting constitutional values such as liberty, equality, and fraternity is relevant to ethics and human interface. Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar's Reforms: Understand his contributions to education, reservation, and socio-economic development. Scientific Temper: Its importance in rational thinking and decision-making. Constitutional Values: Their role in shaping responsible citizens. Pratibha Karanji: As a platform for promoting student talent and cultural awareness.